Tebow named a Heisman finalist after all

Tim Tebow set another standard in college football on Monday, becoming the first three-time Heisman finalist since Herschel Walker almost 30 years ago and just the third three-time finalist overall, along with Army’s Glen Davis.

Tebow will compete for the Heisman against Texas quarterback Colt McCoy for the second straight year, as well as Alabama running back Mark Ingram, Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Stanford running back Toby Gerhart.

“Having the chance to go back to New York means a lot to me,” said Tebow, who finished his regular season with 31 touchdowns, nine turnovers and almost 3,300 total yards. “It is a special honor but it wouldn’t be possible for me to have this opportunity without my teammates and coaches.”

The award will be announced this Saturday in New York City. Though he was named a finalist, Tebow, the 2007 winner, almost certainly will not win the award after last Saturday’s 32-13 loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. Ingram may have won the award with his performance in that game, gaining 177 total yards and scoring three touchdowns.

Still, the Gators are proud of Tebow for becoming the first player to be invited to the televised announcement three times, a practice that began in 1982. Tebow, named First Team All-SEC on Monday, leads the SEC in completion percentage (65.2) and is second in passing efficiency (155.6), lowest interception percentage (1.8) and rushing touchdowns (13).

“It’s a tremendous honor for Tim to be invited back to the Heisman Trophy presentation in New York City,” Urban Meyer said. “This is a great achievement and he is very deserving of this honor. Tim is a special player whose leadership and character are unparalleled.”